Neurotransmitters And Anterior Pituitary Function

Neurotransmitters and Anterior Pituitary Function discusses research findings on neurotransmitter-neurohormone interactions in the control of the anterior pituitary. This book contains five chapters that specifically tackle the most salient constituents of the neural-endocrine communication system in mammals. This book deals first with the biochemistry, physiology, and pharmacology of proved or putative neurotransmitters, as well as some of the techniques used for determining their synthesis or turnover in the central nervous system (CNS) of experimental animals or in man. These topics are followed by a discussion on the principal functions of the most well-known neurotransmitter containing neurons based on sophisticated techniques for neurotransmitter measurements. A chapter highlights both traditional and a vast series of developed drugs that affect both neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine function. Discussions then shift to the experimental evidence on pituitary function control by the brain through releasing and inhibiting hormones secreted by hypothalamic neuroendocrine cells; the chemical isolation, identification, and synthesis of hypothalamic neurohormones; and concepts of their mechanism of action at the level of the pituitary cells. This text further explores the role of specific brain neurotransmitters in controlling pituitary hormone secretions in both experimental animals and in man and the possible CNS site(s) where neurotransmitters and neurohormones interact for the control of anterior pituitary secretion. The concluding chapter describes the actual or potential application of neuropharmacologic approaches to the diagnosis of and therapy for specific disorders of neuroendocrine function. Clinical neuroendocrinologists and researchers and students in neuroendocrinology, neurobiology, neuropharmacology, neurophysiology, and psychiatry will find this book invaluable.

Table of Contents:
Preface List of Abbreviations I Neurotransmitters and Neurohormones A. Neurochemical Mediation: Current Concepts B. Neuroendocrine Transduction in Mammals II Proved and Putative Neurotransmitters in the Central Nervous System A. Steps Involved in Synaptic Transmission B. Catecholamines C. Serotonin D. Selective Neurotoxic Drugs for Monoamine Neurons in the CNS E. Melatonin F. Acetylcholine G. Prostaglandins H. Histamine I. ?-Aminobutyric Acid J. Glycine, Taurine, Glutamate, Aspartate K. Substance ? L. Functional Interactions between Monoaminergic, Cholinergic, and Other Neurotransmitter Systems in the CNSIII Hypothalamic Releasing and Inhibiting Hormones A. Neurohormonal Control of Anterior Pituitary Hormones B. Assay Methods C. Localization D. Mechanism of Action E. Extraendocrine Actions IV Brain Neurotransmitters and the Regulation of Anterior Pituitary Function A. Manipulations of Brain Monoamines and the Secretion of the Anterior Pituitary B. Changes in Endocrine Function and Brain Monoamine Metabolism C. Sites of Action of Monoamines in Affecting Anterior Pituitary Function V Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications of the New Concepts on Neurotransmitter-Neurohormone Interactions A. Brain Catecholamines and Drug Therapy for Endocrine Disorders Bibliography Index